Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate - Experienced

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I've done it Done

The Undulator

Martinborough, Wellington

Submitted by Hamish Laing

Last Updated: 21st Sep 2023

Intermediate - Experienced

Save Trail Save

I've done it Done

Open

Grunt Factor: 72 ?

Gnarl Factor: 73 ?

28.9km

2020m

2020m

722m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Back country - remote

Point to Point (one way)

Mountainous

Native bush

Run Makeup

10%
20%
70%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +14.2%

Average Downhill Gradient: -14.1%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

Not suitable

Slow

6:00

Moderate

4:00

Fast

This beautiful but rugged route runs through some of the lesser traveled country in the North Island. Starting from the Mangatoetoe river mouth the route traverses four major undulations before finishing at the Putangirua Pinnacles.

If you're not racing take your time at the end to explore the interesting Pinnacle formations as you come to the finish.

This track should only be attempted by those comfortable in the backcountry. Although most of the route follows marked DoC tracks, there are sections of stream travel where the track is not always obvious. Be sure to turn East at Kawakawa Hut and watch out for the ongaonga!

Mangatoetoe hut is found by following markers off the river bed onto a nice track to the hut. From this hut make sure to follow the markers which will lead you up the correct stream in a North East direction. When approaching Kawakawa Hut cross the stream to river right to pick up the hut and head East from the hut towards Pararaki Hut. There is one well sign posted turn off as you are approaching the end down to the Pinnacles. Take this track down to the finish.

For a more detailed route description head to the Aorangi Undulator website

No public transport

66 km

60 minutes

Unknown

No

Hard.

Mangatoetoe hut is found by following markers off the river bed onto a nice track to the hut. From this hut make sure to follow the markers which will lead you up the correct stream in a North East direction. When approaching Kawakawa Hut cross the stream to river right to pick up the hut and head East from the hut towards Pararaki Hut. There is one well sign posted turn off as you are approaching the end down to the Pinnacles. Take this track down to the finish.

Unknown.

Thermal leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival bag, Cellphone, Compass, Map, Headtorch and spare batteries

Plenty of huts and streams along the way.

Be aware of multiple river and stream crossings. Be very careful after heavy rain as the rivers can come up quickly. Remember they will also drop quickly so best to wait out any crossing which you aren't comfortable with.

Watch out for the Ongaonga (native stinging nettle)!

Trail Legend

NO

Nick On

has completed The Undulator once in the last year.

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